Turning Grief into Action: A Mother's Fight Against Overdose Tragedies

In a heartfelt endeavor to honor her son’s memory, Carrie Paulson is on a powerful mission to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug overdoses. This journey begins on International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, as she plans a tribute event aimed at educating others about the dangers that lurk in our communities.

Tragic Loss: A Son's Battle with Addiction

Carrie's son, Raleigh Paulson, tragically lost his life at the young age of 22 due to an accidental overdose on June 16. Toxicology reports revealed a cocktail of substances in his system, including alcohol, cocaine laced with methamphetamine, and a depressant cut with fentanyl.

• Raleigh's Background: A graduate of Golden High School, he was pursuing a degree in Economics at Colorado State University.
• Social Struggles: Despite being surrounded by friends and family, Raleigh battled addiction, which Carrie notes is a disease that affected his brain uniquely.
• Rehabilitation Attempts: Raleigh had undergone rehabilitation four times, with his most recent attempt in January. Although he appeared to be doing well, the struggle was ongoing.

Last Moments: A Heart-Wrenching Goodbye

On the night before his tragic end, Raleigh spent time with friends. The following morning, he returned home, seemingly in good spirits. “He told me he was going to take a nap and get up and do some homework, and he didn’t wake up,” Carrie recounted, tears streaming down her face. “He had no plans to end his life, no plans to die. He just made bad choices.”

Unfortunately, by the time Raleigh fell asleep, the drugs had already begun to take their toll. Carrie now reflects that his loud snoring that day was likely a sign of airway obstruction—a chilling reminder of how quickly life can change.

A New Purpose: Educating Others

In the wake of her son’s passing, Carrie has decided to retire from her 30-year teaching career, redirecting her energy towards advocacy. “Every day hurts,” she acknowledges, “But maybe someone’s life will be saved if we spread the word about how dangerous street drugs are now.”

Future Goals: Taking Action Against Overdose

Looking ahead, Carrie aims to bring overdose awareness programs to middle and high schools, hoping to reach students before it’s too late. “The hope is getting to them early,” she said.

To kick off her advocacy, Carrie and her husband are organizing a public event at the Golden Mill on August 31 at 5:00 p.m. During this event, attendees will receive buttons, stickers, and informational sheets about the dangers of drug use, signs of overdose, and how to help in emergencies.

Community Support: Joining Forces for a Cause

The Paulson family is also raising funds to help combat addiction fatalities through the SAFE Project. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, immediate help is available through various resources:

• Colorado Crisis Services: Immediate, confidential support, 24/7.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Additional resources can be found through End Overdose Colorado and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's overdose prevention page.

What do you think?

• Should educational institutions implement mandatory overdose awareness programs?
• Is addiction primarily a personal choice or a disease that requires compassion and understanding?
• How effective do you think community events like Carrie's will be in preventing overdoses?
• What role should the government play in combating the drug crisis?
• Can we do enough to protect young people from the dangers of drugs?

As Carrie embarks on this journey, her hope is that through her advocacy work, she can save even one life, turning her pain into a catalyst for change. Together, we can educate and empower our communities to